[WORLD CUP QUALIFYING] How the USA fares in its attempt to win a World Cup qualifier in Costa Rica (Wednesday, ESPN2, Galavision, 10 p.m. ET) for the first time depends much on its central defense tandem of Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu. The latter returns to the U.S. squad after ... Read the whole story

[U.S. SOCCER] Starting with Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Costa Rica, the U.S. men's national team has at least 13 games through October. It will play even more if it reaches the second round of the Confederations Cup and/or the Gold Cup. For the USA's schedule with TV information. ... Read the whole story

[AMERICANS ABROAD] Another American snapped up an English Premier League when billionaire Ellis Short took control of Sunderland. The Texan was expected to give new manager Steve Bruce more than $100 million in funds to spend on the summer transfer market. Read the whole story

[CANADA] USL club Vancouver assumed control of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship by beating MLS's Toronto, 2-0, Tuesday at Swangard Stadium to all but clinch a spot in the 2009-10 Concacaf Champions League. Read the whole story

[USL TEAMS OF THE WEEK] Cuban midfielder Yordany Alvarez, who scored two goals and had an assist for the Austin Aztez in its 3-1 win over the Puerto Rico Islanders, and South African Ty Shipalane, who scored two goals in 3-2 win for the Harrisburg City Islanders at Real Maryland, ... Read the whole story

[COPA AMERICA] The Mexican federation has reversed its decision to pull out of all South American competitions and will participate in the 2011 Copa America in Argentina. The Mexicans had announced their pull-out after South American teams refused to play Mexican clubs in the Copa Libertadores for fear of swine ... Read the whole story

[OFF THE POST] French players had the names on their jerseys written in Braille for Wednesday's friendly in Saint-Etienne against Nigeria, which won, 1-0, to mark its first ever win over France. Read the whole story

"Soccer remains my first love and I don't have any plans to even try dancing after this. It was a great experience for me, but that's it. I won't do any more reality shows. -- Bhaichung Bhutia, captain of India's national team, confirms his dedication to the sport after his appearance on a televised celebrity dance competition, which he won, led to his departure from his club, Mohun Bagan, which questioned his commitment. (Reuters) ...More